The 2021-founded National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team and the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section will be combined.
By announcing the growth of its crypto crime team, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) is demonstrating its commitment to preventing crimes involving cryptocurrencies. To address the growing difficulties in the environment of digital assets, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Argentieri disclosed the plans to quadruple the team’s size and name a new leader.
The National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET) and the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) will be combined by the Department of Justice (DoJ) in a calculated move to enhance its capabilities. This partnership intends to increase the unit’s effectiveness and offer more resources to effectively address cryptocurrency misuse.
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Related: 2 Russians Charged by DOJ with Laundering Over $600K in Bitcoin
New Leader to Spearhead the Fight
The NCET, regarded as a “enormously successful startup,” will gain access to the knowledge of the bigger CCIPS team as a result of this merger. The new leader of this “super-charged” division will be Claudia Quiroz, a former assistant attorney from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California and the present deputy director of NCET.
The rising ransomware threat is the team’s top issue right now. The NCET aims to impair the operations of these bad actors by identifying criminals through their cryptocurrency transfers and seizing assets before they reach ransomware hotspots like Russia.
When it comes to crypto-related criminality, the US is adamant about staying in the lead. The DoJ is sending a clear message: criminals who misuse cryptocurrency will face prompt and uncompromising justice. This message is emphasized by the newly strengthened crypto crime unit and a focus on combating ransomware threats.
Related: DOJ Pursues DeFi Hackers and Thieves